Vampire: Elder Kindred Network Newsletter May 2025
Greetings fellow Methuselahs,
This month we have the privilege to begin the letter with this exquisite artwork by Kim Aldau for a new card in the upcoming Path of Power and the Inner Voice Sabbat preconstructed deck. This is the card:
NAC 2025 UPCOMING – WITH VERY SPECIAL PREVIEW EVENT!
Time again for the North American Championship and the Week of Nightmares! Welcome to beautiful Columbus, Ohio and the Origins Game Fair. 13 touraments, including a special pre-release.
Sun June 15: Week of Nightmares event 1
Mon June 16: Week of Nightmares event 2 + 3
Tue June 17: Week of Nightmares event 4 + 5
Wed June 18: Week of Nightmares event 6 + 7 (<---This is the special event!)
Thu June 19: Origins Thurday 1 + Thursday 2
Fri June 20: Origins Friday 1 + Friday 2
Sat June 21: Origins North American Championship
Sun June 22: Origins Sunday
Please, check the VEKN Event Calendar for details about each of these events.
The Week of Nightmares Wednesday evening tournament is a pre-release event for the new Sabbat preconstructed decks. The time is 6 PM, the place is R Bar Arena, 413 N Front Street. Pay $20 entry fee and you’ll randomly receive one of the four new decks:
– Path of Caine
– Path of Cathari
– Path of Death and the Soul
– Path of Power and the Inner Voice
See the original announcement for more information.
REGISTER TO EC 2025 BEFORE JULY 31 – GET A BONUS GIFT!
To give an extra push for early registration (which helps ease event costs), Black Chantry Productions is offering a special bonus: Everyone who registers before July 31 will receive 1 copy of The Unaligned 1 + 1 copy of The Unaligned 2! Yes, that is the bundles from the 2021 crowdfunding, found in the lower basement of the most remote storehouse. This bonus gift in addition to other perks and surprises we’ll be revealed in the coming weeks and months.
Register at vtes-ec2025.org
Again: The early bird deadline is July 31!
MARTIN WEINMAYER IS THE 2025 CHAMPION OF SERBIA!
This event took place in Belgrade on May 3 with 23 players.
Read the full report: Serbia National Championship 2025
RATHPEX WINS GRAND PRIX SYDNEY 2025!
This tournament was held at Good Games Town Hall in Sydney on May 18 with 17 players.
Read the full report: Grand Prix Sydney 2025
KARL SCHAEFER WINS GRAND PRIX MADISON 2025!
This leg of the North American Cup was played with 14 players in Madison, Wisconsin on May 17. It was the first event in the city in 10 years!
Read the full report: Grand Prix Madison 2025
The North American Cup so far:
• Gap, Pennsylvania January 18: Winner Albert Presto with Tzimisce G6 stealth-bleed.
• Los Angeles, California February 16: Winner Mark Jasper with Unmada stealth-bleed.
• Dallas, Texas March 23: Winner Matt Hodsdon with Banu Haqim Haqim's Law: Retribution stealth-bleed.
• Montreal, Canada April 26: Winner Alexandre Bustros.
• Madison, Wisconsin May 17: See above.
The cup final will be played sometime during the 2025 Week of Nightmares in Columbus, Ohio.
FIRST ATHENS TOURNAMENT EVER!
We normally show CC, NC or GP level tournament here, but we make an exception for this one: Athens, Greece, has held their first ever sanctioned VTES tournament. This happened with 20 players from Greece, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Denmark on May 31.
The final table was Malkavian Dementation stealth-bleed -> Ministry Nonu Dis stealth-bleed -> Malkavian wall -> Baali The Unnamed stealth-bleed -> Toreador stealth-vote/bleed.
Congratulations to the winner Jan Kočí!
The tournament winning decklist: “Oldschool wall”
Crypt (12 cards)
2x Victoria 5 AUS cel obf Malkavian:2
1x Aleph 4 AUS dom Malkavian:1
2x Zöe 3 AUS cel obf Malkavian:2
1x Dollface 3 aus obf Malkavian:1
1x Isabel de Leon 3 AUS Toreador:2
1x Watenda 3 obf Malkavian:2
1x Brazil 2 aus Malkavian:1
3x Anarch Convert 1 Caitiff:ANY
Library (70 cards)
Master (13; 3 trifle)
1x Anarch Revolt
1x Asylum Hunting Ground
2x Direct Intervention
1x Erciyes Fragments, The
2x Madness Network
1x Powerbase: Montreal
1x Rack, The
1x Smiling Jack, The Anarch
3x Vessel
Action (2)
1x Aranthebes, The Immortal
1x Constant Revolution
Ally (3)
1x Carlton Van Wyk
1x Muddled Vampire Hunter
1x Ossian
Equipment (6)
3x .44 Magnum
1x Bowl of Convergence
1x Ivory Bow
1x Sniper Rifle
Combat (4)
4x Disguised Weapon
Reaction (42)
2x Delaying Tactics
6x Eagle's Sight
4x Enhanced Senses
8x Eyes of Argus
4x Forced Awakening
3x My Enemy's Enemy
4x On the Qui Vive
2x Precognition
1x Spirit's Touch
8x Telepathic Misdirection
Good luck with future organised play Athens!
RECRUITMENT EXCERCISE: WELCOMING NEW METHUSELAHS IN NIORT, FRANCE
Reported by Christophe Baltazar, VEKN National Coordinatior of France:
Welcoming new players is always a highlight for any gaming community. Thanks to the Virtuel association (association-virtuel.fr) in Niort, 17 new Methuselahs were initiated into Vampire: The Eternal Struggle, facing off in the eternal conflict in an atmosphere that was both friendly and strategic.
Among the participants, several came from the world of role-playing games, which made it easier for them to dive into the gothic universe of the World of Darkness. After a brief introduction to the setting and core mechanics — taking down one’s prey while protecting oneself from a predator — the tables were set and ready for battle.
Event overview: Duration: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Number of tables: 4. Total games played: 4. Participants: 20. Format: New Blood decks with 25 pool – no time limit.
Each table had access to six New Blood decks, allowing players to choose the clan that suited them best. Every game was guided by an experienced player who helped the newcomers learn the rules step-by-step. A big thank you to Black Chantry and VEKN France for generously sending these introductory decks!
The games started at staggered times, beginning at 9:30 PM for the first table and around 10:30 PM for the last. In total, four tables of five players each kept the night lively.
Table 1 – Hosted by Pierre
Antoine (Nosferatu) hunted Antoine (Banu Haqim), who targeted Samuel (Ventrue), who went after Caroline (Toreador), who hunted Fabien (Malkavian), who closed the loop by pursuing the first Antoine.
Caroline (Toreador) made smart use of political actions early on and quickly scored a victory point. Later, the Nosferatu managed to score two points, but the Toreador ultimately dominated with three, showing strong control over political scheming.
Victory Points: Toreador 3, Nosferatu 2.
Table 2 – Hosted by Teil
Jade (Gangrel) hunted Valentin (Nosferatu), who targeted Olivier (Tremere), who went after Lucie (Malkavian), who pursued Jérémy (Ventrue), who in turn targeted Jade.
The Malkavian gained the upper hand over the Ventrue, while the Nosferatu, with their rat army, slowly weakened and eliminated the Tremere, already worn down by constant revolts. After letting the Gangrel shine for a moment, the Malkavian seized the tempo and won the final duel.
Victory Points: Malkavian 3, Gangrel 1, Nosferatu 1.
Table 3 – Hosted by the author
Pierre (Tremere) hunted Patrick (Ventrue), who targeted Romain (Ministry), who chased François (Banu Haqim), who pursued Thomas (Nosferatu), who tried to reach Pierre.
The Nosferatu had a rough start, getting intercepted on every action — even the smallest ones, like recruiting a Underbridge Stray or an Owl Companionl. The Tremere and Banu Haqim punished them severely. Despite being reduced to just 1 pool, the Banu Haqim managed to eliminate the Nosferatu.
Patrick (Ventrue) then used Misdirection smartly to oust Romain (Ministry). After a tense duel with the Banu Haqim, the Ventrue faced the Tremere wall — well-prepared and resilient to the end. The game concluded in a draw.
Victory Points: Ventrue 2, Tremere 2, Banu Haqim 1.
Table 4 – Started Later, With Experienced Support
This table included experienced members to round out the initial two players. Telly (Malkavian) hunted Jonathan (Nosferatu), who went after Alexandre (Brujah), who targeted Stoof (Banu Haqim), who pursued Thibault (Toreador), who circled back to Telly.
Telly quickly took control by eliminating the Nosferatu with a well-placed vote and severely weakening the Brujah (down to 1 pool). However, this aggression raised suspicion, and his subsequent votes were all blocked. Alexandre (Brujah) seized his opportunity, won his confrontations with the Banu Haqim, and eliminated the Toreador. As the night wore on, the game was called, with the Brujah ahead.
Victory Points: Brujah 2.5, Malkavian 1.5.
Looking ahead
To keep the VTES momentum going, a WhatsApp group was created to connect all interested players and help organize future sessions.
A huge thank-you once again to Virtuel for the event organization and promotion. Given the enthusiastic feedback from many participants, the association’s board is now considering setting up a dedicated VTES section. This activity would complement the regular Friday board game slot, with the medium-term goal of hosting competitive events.
Credit photo: Telly_Shoot
REMINDER: WELCOME TO THE OPEN PLAYTEST OF TWO-PLAYER VTES!
There is a playtest of 1-versus-1 duel format of Vampire: The Eternal Struggle, and YOU can join! Anyone can test and report results and thoughts, and everything you need to know – rules, tournament rules, decklists, lists of cards allowed and feedback form – is at this dedicated playtest site. After some tweaks, we hope this will be both an easy way to get into “real VTES” and an interesting game in itself – please, give it a try, and report what you think!
BLACK CHANTRY SUMMARY: MAY 2025
• New Blood Hecata and Lasombra should be in stores when you read this! There was a last minute delay at the print shop, but packs were for sale at the UKGE and should appear close to you now or anytime soon.
• Hugh Angseesing, Luke Greensmith, Mikey Ferguson, Beth Powell and James Freimuller staffed the BCP booth at UKGE, Birmingham. Thanks to all who dropped by for a friendly word, demo or purchase!
• Another spoiler season has launched – see the top of this newsletter. The fourth playtest round of the Sabbat precons was quick and bloody, and now all the new awesomeness are off for a first printrun to appear at the Week of Nightmares in Columbus. The big European printing will be sometime this summer. Look forward to a steady flow of more previews.
• The New Blood packs for Ravnos, Salubri and Tzimisce will be in stores AFTER the Sabbat precons, some time in late 2025.
• Please try out the 1-versus-1-variant of VTES in the open playtest – see above in this newsletter!
• Currently these Black Chantry products are available through Gamepod, Drivethrucard
Lost Kindred bundle (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Keepers of Tradition Reprint Bundle 1 (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Keepers of Tradition Reprint Bundle 2 (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Heirs of the Blood Reprint Bundle 1 (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Heirs of the Blood Reprint Bundle 2 (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Den of Fiends Preconstructed Deck (Also Spanish, French) (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Libertine Ball Preconstructed Deck (Also Spanish, French) (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Pact with Nephandi Preconstructed Deck (Also Spanish, French) (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Parliament of Shadows Preconstructed Deck (Also Spanish, French) (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Anthology I bundle
VTES Card Creator (Drivethrucards only)
25th Anniversary
First Blood: Malkavian (Also Spanish, French) (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
First Blood: Nosferatu (Also Spanish, French) (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
First Blood: Toreador (Also Spanish, French) (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
First Blood: Tremere (Also Spanish, French) (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
First Blood: Ventrue (Also Spanish, French) (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
VTES Legacy Card Singles (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Promo Pack 1 (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Promo Pack 2 (Drivethrucards and Gamepod only)
Promo Pack 3 (For promotion only)
Promo Pack 4 (For promotion only)
VTES "Parity Shift" playmat
VTES card sleeves
Vampire: The Eternal Struggle Fifth Edition (Stores only)
Vampire: The Eternal Struggle Fifth Edition Latin (Drivethrucards only)
Fifth Edition: Malkavian (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
Fifth Edition: Nosferatu (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
Fifth Edition: Toreador (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
Fifth Edition: Tremere (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
Fifth Edition: Ventrue (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
Promo Pack 3 (Event promos only)
Fifth Edition: Banu Haqim (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
Fifth Edition: Brujah (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
Fifth Edition: Gangrel (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
Fifth Edition: The Ministry (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
New Blood: Malkavian (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
New Blood: Nosferatu (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
New Blood: Toreador (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
New Blood: Tremere (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
New Blood: Ventrue (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
The Fall of London (Also Spanish, French, Latin)
Echoes of Gehenna
Shadows of Berlin (Also Spanish, French)
New Blood: Banu Haqim (Also Spanish, French)
New Blood: Brujah (Also Spanish, French)
New Blood: Gangrel (Also Spanish, French)
New Blood: The Ministry (Also Spanish, French)
Fifth Edition: Ravnos (Also Spanish, French)
Fifth Edition: Salubri (Also Spanish, French)
Fifth Edition: Tzimisce (Also Spanish, French)
30th Anniversary (Also Spanish, French)
Fifth Edition: Lasombra (Also Spanish, French)
Fifth Edition: Hecata (Also Spanish, French)
New Blood: Hecata (Also Spanish, French)
New Blood: Lasombra (Also Spanish, French)
Do you have opinions or questions for Black Chantry? Start a topic on the VEKN forum, or contact the company by e-mail, Facebook, Instagram
RECENT NEWS IN THE WORLD OF DARKNESS
Things are happening! Let us share this message from WHITE WOLF unedited:
White Wolf Returns, Freshly Embraced as the Official Licensing and Publishing Entity of World of Darkness
White Wolf Working Alongside Paradox Interactive as a Co-Publisher for Vampire: The Masquerade–Bloodlines 2; Tabletop Role-Playing Game Development Moving In-House
STOCKHOLM – MAY 23, 2025 – World of Darkness today announced that it is rebranding to White Wolf and is now the official licensing and publishing entity for all its transmedia properties, including Vampire: The Masquerade, Werewolf: The Apocalypse, and Hunter: The Reckoning. As part of the rebrand, White Wolf and Paradox Interactive are working together as co-publishers for Vampire: The Masquerade–Bloodlines 2, launching in October 2025. Additionally, World of Darkness tabletop role-playing game and IP development will move in-house, enabling the studio to expand and deepen its commitment to games and gameplay systems that complement its story worlds.
This marks a new era for White Wolf, empowering the brand to work closely with partners to create interconnected stories and develop more products for fans. White Wolf is unifying its vast story worlds and building on its legacy of celebrated entertainment properties that resonate with its audience.
Operating as an independent entity within Paradox Interactive, White Wolf oversees products set in World of Darkness story worlds across all major media, including video games, tabletop role-playing games, board games, streaming shows, and more. All White Wolf projects, licensed or published, will have direct access to the brand’s development resources and marketing support. White Wolf has access to a global network of distributors and partners, ensuring that World of Darkness fans worldwide can experience the brand’s compelling stories.
"The Wolf is back, baby! I’m incredibly excited and proud to bring back White Wolf as an independent business entity, taking the legendary World of Darkness IP portfolio into the future. Establishing a dedicated publishing wing for our internally developed tabletop role-playing games strengthens our already successful licensing business. This lets us develop both classic and new IPs faster and with a clearer long-term transmedia vision, always in collaboration with our passionate fans and partners," said Marco Behrmann, World of Darkness Executive Vice President at Paradox Interactive. "The White Wolf name echoes in eternity, with strong brand recognition across entertainment sectors, including game makers, licensing partners, retailers, and distributors. This rebirth is a huge win for our fans because it empowers us to create the products, experiences, and worlds they want to explore."
White Wolf is led by Marco Behrmann (World of Darkness Executive Vice President), Jason Carl (Brand Marketing Manager), Nikola Filipov (Director of Licensing), and other key members who have been instrumental in World of Darkness’ ongoing success.
Originally founded in 1991, White Wolf pioneered deep, narrative-driven, and mature role-playing games with the launch of Vampire: The Masquerade, which became a breakout hit. After Vampire: The Masquerade’s success, White Wolf continued to expand its profound lore and worldbuilding, creating more standout properties, including Werewolf: The Apocalypse, Hunter: The Reckoning, and more. As White Wolf enters a new era, the brand maintains its roots with products that are high-quality, mature, and contemporary experiences.
(Link to original press release)
CALENDAR
Major events coming up:
June 7: Brazil National Championship, Rio de Janeiro
June 7: Philippines National Championship, Manila
June 15-20: Week of Nightmares Columbus, Ohio
June 21: Grand Prix Brisbane
June 21: North American Championship Columbus, Ohio
June 28: National Championship Spain
July 5: Grand Prix Warsaw
July 6: National Championship Poland
July 12: National Championship Switzerland
July 20: National Championship Belgium
August 9: National Championship Norway
August 16: Grand Prix Herne
August 23: Grand Prix Biloxi/Gulfport, Mississippi
August 30: Grand Prix Auckland
September 6: Asian Championship, Mandaluyong, Philippines
September 6: Grand Prix Sul Americano (Campina Grande, Brazil)
September 13: Grand Prix Harmelen
October 4: Grand Prix New Orleans, Louisiana
October 13-16: Week of Nightmares Aarhus
October 17: European Championship Aarhus
October 25: Oceania Championship, Melbourne, Australia
December 6: Grand Prix Vidor, Texas
December 14: Grand Prix Cearense
Upcoming tournaments for the coming month (registered so far) are in:
Australia x3
Brazil x8
Chile
Czech Republic
Finland x2
France x2
Hungary x3
Italy x2
Mexico
Netherlands
Philippines
Poland x2
South Africa x2
Spain x5
UK
USA x18
For details about these events, see the VEKN Event Calendar. Also, check out the World of Darkness Community Map.
Remember: Online tournaments are possible - just check the box "Online tournament" when you add the event to the calendar!
CONTACT VEKN
You can contact the VEKN Inner Circle members using contact forms at VEKN.net. Also follow the official VTES Facebook page Vampire: The Eternal Struggle, the official VEKN X (Twitter) account @VEKN_VTES and the official VTES Discord server.
He who opens a school door, closes a prison.
Karl Schaefer wins Grand Prix Madison 2025!
This part of the North American Cup was played in Madison. Report by Josh Whelan, Prince of Madison, Wisconsin:
The Midwest Mayhem National Cup Qualifier drew 14 players, from 5 states, for Wisconsin’s first national tournament in over a decade.
The weekend (which included the Tainted Spring standard tournament - winner Darby Keeney) brought 20 methuselahs together at the University of Wisconsin’s Memorial Union. The final table was a mix of Anarchs, unbreakable S&B, walls & toolboxes, but Karl Schaefer's 5th ed. Ravnos went home with a sweep, the UW Madison cup & the cheese. Special thanks to Darby & Karl for helping bring VTES back to the midwest and Francisco Renteria for bringing Madison back from torpor. Keep an eye on us for more events in 2026.
Standings before the final:
1. Darby Keeney 2 GW 9 VP
2. Karl Schaefer 1 GW 5 VP
3. Chris Laraia 1 GW 4.5 VP
4. Devin McDermott 0 GW 1.5 VP
5. Jeff Lake 2 GW 9.5 VP
Final result: Karl Schaefer 5 VP
The tournament winning deck: "My Version" by Darby Keeney and Karl Schaefer
Karls comment: When you're drinking with Darby in Montreal and realize that Anarch Convert is better than Sreelekha, you end up with this version. The Converts allow you to remove the duplicates; however, to prevent an all Convert opening crypt, Gathii (with the best special) is duplicated. Phaibun is another good choice, but Gathii's ANI allows you to give ani via Field Training and that's worth more pool damage over the course of the game than Phabun's ability to hand out PRE. However, Phaibun is better positioned for combat with her special and may be a meta-appropriate choice. Some influence from Andy Smith and Kelly Lyons in earlier versions, but this one eschews most of those changes because the Convert is very multi-purpose for the deck.
Crypt (12 cards)
1x Doc Martina 6 ANI OBF for pre Ravnos:7
1x Luciano Carvalho 6 ANI OBF pre Ravnos:7
1x Roberto Rivamonte 6 ANI OBF PRE Ravnos:7
2x Gathii 5 ANI PRE obf Ravnos:7
1x Phaibun 5 OBF PRE ani Ravnos:7
1x Jean-François 4 ani obf pre Ravnos:7
1x Zafira 4 PRE obf Ravnos:7
1x Oleg Kaprizov 3 obf pre Ravnos:7
3x Anarch Convert 1 Caitiff:ANY
Library (78 cards)
Master (17; 9 trifle)
1x Anarch Troublemaker
1x Club Illusion
3x Dabbler
1x Dreams of the Sphinx
1x Giant's Blood
1x Jake Washington
1x Pentex(TM) Subversion
6x Villein
2x Week of Nightmares
Action (21)
18x Break the Bonds
3x Field Training
Action Modifier (36)
3x Elder Impersonation
3x Faceless Night
2x Lost in Crowds
12x Memory Rift
4x Power of One
2x True Love's Face
10x Visions of Gehenna
Action Modifier/Combat (4)
2x Hide the Mind
2x Swallowed by the Night
Thanks to Josh for reporting, and thanks to all organisers, sponsors (Black Chantry Productions and KGS Cards) and of course the players!
Rathpex wins Grand Prix Sydney 2025!
This tournament was held at Good Games Town Hall on May 18. 17 players attended. Report by the winner Rathpex:
My day started very early, I was up at 5:30 am for a 7:30 am flight from Melbourne to Sydney (about 800km/500miles). I landed at about 9 am and made it to a café to get some good food before round 1 kicked off.
Deck Name: Cockroaches mkii
Author: Rathpex
Crypt (12 cards)
1x Massimiliano 7 ANI FOR pro baron Gangrel:6
2x André the Manipulator 6 FOR PRO Gangrel:5
2x Casey Snyder 6 PRO ani cel for baron Gangrel:6
2x Kuyén 6 ANI PRO baron Gangrel:6
1x Martina Srnankova 6 FOR PRO ani Gangrel:6
2x Kamile Paukstys 5 PRO ani for Gangrel:6
1x Nathan Turner 4 PRO ani Gangrel:6
1x Indira 3 PRO Gangrel:6
Library (90 cards)
Master (22; 7 trifle)
1x Anarch Free Press, The
1x Anarch Railroad
1x Backways
1x Bleeding the Vine
2x Carfax Abbey
1x Club Illusion
1x Erciyes Fragments, The
1x Gangrel Revel
2x Garibaldi-Meucci Museum
3x Sudden Reversal
5x Vessel
2x Wash
1x Zoo Hunting Ground
Action (17)
1x Constant Revolution
2x Rewilding
2x Status Perfectus, The
12x Thing
Equipment (4)
1x Heart of Nizchetus
1x Sniper Rifle
2x Sport Bike
Retainer (4)
4x Raven Spy
Action Modifier (11)
7x Earth Control
4x Monkey Wrench
Combat (18)
3x Donnybrook
12x Earth Meld
3x Form of Mist
Reaction (14)
6x Bait and Switch
8x Organized Resistance
Round 1
This was a 4 player game, I was bleeding into some kind of Malkavian who was bleeding into a Dmitra deck who was bleeding into Ministry. Exact details are little bit sketchy on this one given my early morning flight. I was able to fend off my Ministry Predator, back ousting him with a Rewilding when he was low on pool. I was able to set up with all the toys in play – yes all of them and defend a constant rev which got to 7 counters. 1 GW 3 VP
Round 2
This was a 5 player game. I was bleeding into a Montano Baltimore Purge deck who was bleeding into Samedi, bleeding a different Dmitra player (yes 2 in the tournament!!!) bleeding into dementation Malk and Malk!. 2 games in a row with stealth bleed on my back, the difference this time was that the Malks were running something like 12 sudden reversals. The game was tough, I was unable to get out a lot of my masters but I did manage to get 2 vessels and 1 hunting ground. With a couple of Raven Spy’s and Martina. I had enough intercept to keep Montano in check from doing his purge, enough votes to help keep pressure on my predator and enough intercept and/or flicks to survive the stealth bleed. Dmitra got the Malks and Samedi got Dmitra leaving me, Montano and Samedi surviving. 0.5 VP
Round 3
Another 4 player game. I was bleeding into the Samedi this time who was bleeding Call The Great Beast Unnamed who was bleeding an Arishat vote deck. Ironically, the Arishat player didn’t draw Arishat and unfortunately for me, I drew no permanent intercept and only drew Massimiliano. The Arishat player tried to convince me and Samedi to eliminate The Unnamed but ultimately he was gunning for me. At this stage it was all about me making calculated decisions on how to best maximise my chance to make the final, as Arishat was on the same VP’s and GWs as me and Unnamed on half a vp less. Arishat had 4 vamps with 2 votes out before the Beast arrived and I contemplated transferring out. But the beast then deleted one of the barons and I got a slight reprieve, I was able to get the Samedi player with 2 Monkey Wrenches who didn’t have a wake or flick. Then the beast got me. 1 VP
Standings before finals:
1. Ke Carlton 2 GW 9 VP
2. Tim Clarkson 2 GW 7.5 VP
3. Steve Wedd 1 GW 5.0 VP
4. Rathpex 1 GW 4.5 VP
5. Andrew Stott 1 GW 4.5 VP
Final
There was a possibility that 5th place would have actually been a tie for 5th and 6th at which stage we presumed there would be a coin toss or something, we didn’t consult the official rules but we figured it would be a coin toss. However it didn’t end up that way and we were instead tied for 4th and 5th.
I drew a pretty decent opening hand something like, 1 Bait and Switch, a Sudden Reversal, Monkey Wrench 2 Earth Melds, Organised Resistance and Raven Spy. My crypt was quite strong too: Kamile, Casey, Massimiliano and Indira.
Unnamed drew player 1, with a lot of banter about how it was the worst possible position for him. He did 1 transfer discarded something. I pitched an earth melds, getting another Organised Resistance. Not a lot happened from anyone else, the Malks were playing Suddened a Family Gathering and there may have been a lowbie Hecata out.
Turn 2 it starts off pretty strongly when Unnamed shows that he had topdecked a Dreams from his prior discard. Unanmed was now upto 6 blood and would make an appearance the next turn. Montano goes to 6 blood and all his temo is severely impacted as he wouldn’t be coming out until turn 4. Meanwhile I’ve transferred out Kamile. My gets out Dolphin with her very pointy fangs and Hecata produced a pretty decent vamp.
Turn 3 unnamed hits the table, Montano goes to 10 blood, not having any minions on my back I bleed for a couple with Kamile and bring out Casey. Im glad to have a Baron, it will allow me to flick Montano’s bleeds and I can also block some stuff if necessary. Dolphin starts laying into Hecata, who in turn get out a Spectral Servitor and do some bleeding of their own.
Turn 4, the whole game changes... Abombwe drops on The Unnamed. Unnamed equips a Soul Gem, Instantaneously Transforms (LITERALLY), Calls the Great Beast, gets out a further The Unnamed. This couldn’t have gone better for The Unnamed. Combo went off in as little time as possible. Why does this make it so interesting? Because of the discipline spread on the Beast was Abombwe, Protean and Celerity. This makes the beast capable of doing massive amounts of aggravated damage. I am just hoping that Montano will survive long enough to be a bit of a meat shield and I can try and get through the Malks. Talking of Montano, he and The Unnamed have both travelled from NZ and Montano decides that he will not come out. Instead a second vampire gets a couple of transfers in the hope that the beast can be taken out by the Hecata.
My turn 4 – great literally no predator. But I know that there will be one soon. I have to get my setup, I bleed for a lowly 2 with Kamile and get a Raven Spy on Casey, drawing into a Vessel. I do want to put the pressure onto the Malks but I don’t want to overplay my Monkey Wrench’s too early. I want the Malks to get out a third minion then I will start my bleeding fiasco! I load 4 up on Massimiliano.
It goes to plan. Malks have been taking my pesky bleeds for 2 and regaining some pool with Kindred Spirits, they bleed a lot some get reduced others get through. They don’t quite get out a third minion but have used all 16 of their transfers. Hecata is sitting there with a couple of vamps and keeps the Servitor at the cost of a precious pool he has more masters Suddened. He does manage to get some bleeds into The Unnamed.
Turn 5. The Unnamed does some bleeding so does the Beast who unlocks with Instantaneous Transformation. Then, not having a delicious prey to beat up decides to go backwards into a Hecata, who survives the combat but is beaten up pretty badly. Montano meanwhile, transfers back. I play my Vessel and my hand is something ridiculous like: Earth Meld (I´m saving this for the Beast), 3 Organised Resistance, Bait and Switch, Sudden Reversal, Monkey Wrench and Earth Control. I decide now is the time, Kamile bleeds for 2 no blocks – Just 2. Casey bleeds, no block – bam 4. Go big or go home, I’m safe from Archon Investigation as the Sudden was played. Malks: wake – flick – Sorry Hecata… Hecata are in really bad shape and I pull out Massimiliano. Malks must have jammed on Suddens as they don’t have the goods to finish off the hecata either being blocked or flicked. Hecata Shroud of Decay at superior and The Unnamed gets hurt a bit. Hecata gets out a 3rd vamp.
Turn 6. Unnamed gets out an Unleash Hell´s Fury and bleeds a bit but doesn’t have enough the beast goes backwards again. This time combat ends. Montano transfers back again, this time from his 2nd vamp. He still has 7 on Montano. My go again… I like my hand too much. I think it will help me once the beast comes for me. Bleed for 2, bleed and bleed. Then transfer out Indira.
Okay so at this stage it sounds like “I’m having a free run”. Yes I am, BUT the Malks are doing really well they are faster than me and its looking like I’m going no where.
Malks have another go, this time, Dolphin gets flicked into the Hell´s Fury… and boy is there furn. Dolphin goes down. One then bleeds Hecata, getting him quite low. The other tries to rescue Dolphin, malks are out of bleed cards. I’m not letting the rescue happen! Block and hands for 2 with Massimiliano. But Malks do bring out a 4th minion. 3 ready and one in the bin. Hecata are low on pool, they won´t survive another turn. Hecata – Tribute to the Master to get back 3 pool – Malks – Sudden – ME SUDDEN THE SUDDEN! Turning point of the game I replace with a Monkey Wrench. Hecata get some more bleeds into The Unnamed.
Its kinda a blur from here to the end. It wraps up something like this, Unnamed has jammed on stuff and burns one of the Hecata, Casey gobbles up Dolphin and I bleed some. Malks never recover their tempo from the combo of the diablerie and the pool gain from the Tribute. Hecata takes out The Unnamed/Beast, Montano comes out and I get Malks with a successful Monkey Wrench. Montano must know I´m sitting on flick and he´s hopeing to draw into something but all he can do is superior govern, fine – not my problem. He transfers back. Hecata look like they will get Montano at one stage but he survives. I get the Hecata and then Montano. My favourite game of the day, thanks to my opponents: Steve (Malks), Ke (Hecata), Andrew (Unnamed/Beast), Tim (Montano).
1 GW 4 VP
We thank eachother and then, I head to the airport to fly back to Melbourne in the same day – I eventually make it home at about 11 pm – yikes what a fun and crazy day.
Post note: for those who may have followed my write up from the OCC last year, the Malk player was the person who I choked on and didn’t eat his Unnamed and I was very excited to take him out in the final. We are now 1 and 1, is this how friendships or rivalries are born :)
Thanks for this report, and thanks to organisers, sponsors and all players!
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